Exercise May Help Reduce Symptoms Related To Depression, Anxiety

Patients who are suffering from depression or anxiety disorders and who are not interested in traditional therapy options may be in luck. According to a recent analysis of numerous published studies, exercise may be a viable treatment alternative for those looking to improve their mental health.

Jasper Smits, director of the Anxiety Research and Treatment Program at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and lead author of the review, found that patients who exercise on a regular basis report significantly lower levels of anger and stress as well as fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Specifically, Smits and his colleagues found that exercise positively affects neurotransmitter systems in the brain and reduces feelings of a racing heart or rapid breathing—two symptoms commonly reported by those suffering from severe anxiety.

"Exercise can fill the gap for people who can’t receive traditional therapies because of cost or lack of access, or who don’t want to because of the perceived social stigma associated with these treatments," said Smits.

"Exercise also can supplement traditional treatments, helping patients become more focused and engaged," he added.

For most patients, the researchers recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week.

Post navigation

Special To Personal Liberty

You Sound Off! is written by our readers and appears the last Wednesday of each month. If you would like to submit an article or letter to the editor for consideration for You Sound Off!, send it to yousoundoff@personalliberty.com by the Friday before the last Wednesday of the month. To be considered, a submission should be 750 words or less and must include the writer's name, address and a telephone number. Only the writer's name will be published. Anonymous submissions will not be considered.

Join the Discussion

Comment Policy: We encourage an open discussion with a wide range of viewpoints, even extreme ones, but we will not tolerate racism, profanity or slanderous comments toward the author(s) or comment participants. Make your case passionately, but civilly. Please don't stoop to name calling. We use filters for spam protection. If your comment does not appear, it is likely because it violates the above policy or contains links or language typical of spam. We reserve the right to remove comments at our discretion.

Thegovernment’s assault on your personal liberties, including transgressions by the NSA and IRS, proves NOTHING IS OFF-LIMITS! But they’re not your only enemy. In your FREE copy of The Ultimate Privacy Guide discover simple, effective strategies for making Big Business and Big Government BUTT OUT of your personal life!

We will not sell or rent your email address to anyone for any reason. You can un-subscribe at any time.

Look Inside The Ultimate Privacy Guide

The unconstitutional assault on America's civil liberties is continuing with fanatical vigor thanks to the government's gross misuse of power, including transgressions by the NSA and IRS. NOTHING IS OFF-LIMITS! Government SPYING and MANIPULATION is now becoming the American way. But they’re not your only enemy. In your FREE copy of The Ultimate Privacy Guide you'll discover how to: